You're reading: Sefcovic: EU-Ukraine-Russia format of gas talks proves its usefulness

BRUSSELS – All the parties of the EU-Ukraine-Russia trilateral negotiations in Brussels on Friday welcomed the opportunity to consult on gas supplies to Ukraine and gas flows to the European Union in the coming winter, the European Commission said in a press release.

“There was full commitment to work closely together to ensure gas flows from Russia to Ukraine and gas transit to the EU. In this respect, it has been agreed that discussions will continue at all levels,” the European Commission said in its press release.

“The trilateral format has again proven its usefulness today. Facilitated by the Commission, substantial progress on gas sale and purchase has been made, but some work still remains to be done. Parties were close to conclude today and will now need to discuss the format of the agreement. I was reassured that dialogue will continue,” Vice President for the Energy Union Maros Sefcovic said after the meeting.

The Commission said it is ready if needed to facilitate further discussions in the trilateral format.

The talks were chaired by Sefcovic, were attended by Russia’s and Ukraine’s Ministers for Energy, Alexander Novak and Ihor Nasalyk, as well as representatives of Naftogaz and Gazprom, the commission said.